Men's gloves are back in business this autumn

The good news for the British gloving industry was that gloves were, once again, out in force during the men's Milan Fashion Week in January featuring collections for the autumn/winter 2006/07 season. Gloves were used on the catwalk as an accessory to add a little corporate glamour to slim-line suits and skinny ties. Black leather gloves were used to complement Versace's double and single breasted suits in muted checks and plain greys and Jasper Conran's neat, slim-line leather jackets. Prada used gloves to accessorise simple black and grey slim-line suits in single and double breasted styles. Creative director Christopher Bailey for Burberry Prorsum elected to accessorise trench coats, elegant suits and fitted motorcycle jackets with a selection of tan, brown and cream leather gloves. With plenty of commercial styles, this autumn will bring something to suit the average business man who was never going to feel comfortable stepping out in sandals, floral shirts and baggy linen suits. Although grey dominated the catwalks, there will be no place for corporate fat cats this autumn. Only slim-line shapes were on show - mainly greys, blacks and muted tones. Simple lines and luxurious fabrics, including sheepskin and leather, were everywhere. However, the bad news is that if 'snug' and 'fitting' are the watchwords for menswear this autumn, now is the time to start thinking about how to get our men folk back into shape.